Monday, January 31, 2011

Last week I had meetings with two wonderful leaders in the LGBT community, Charles Robbins, Executive Director of the Trevor Project and Jody Huckaby, Executive Director of PFLAG National.Both are passionatemen of vision who graciously gave me an hour of their time.They opened up their contacts to help me connect with people in other cities about the High School Diploma Program that we started at the LA Gay & Lesbian Center.They opened their hearts to share what some of their dreams were for the community.

At the end of my week, my heart felt so thankful for all the people across the nation that are creating change for our LGBT youth.Thank you Gandhi for reminding us that we must first “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”And if you need a light to hold up as an example, please look to Jody Huckaby and Charles Robbins . . . they are amazing role models. . . .

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

When the play "Rent" was canceled at Monrovia High School with what seemed to be no explanation I was concerned. Were people afraid to talk about homosexuality and AIDS? Was this a homophobic reaction? I emailed the superintendent. What I received back was an invitation to meet for coffee. I responded that I didn't live in her district. She didn't care. She wanted to hear from a son and his mother about their experiences in school. She wanted to gather information. And so Aiden and I went to Monrovia to talk with Dr. Wagner over a cup of coffee.

In the end, she has not changed her position on the cancellation of "Rent". What originally upset me, I now understand. She took the time to communicate with me and my son, and is carving out a different way to address my concerns. She has asked for our help and we are more than happy to do what we can.

Having coffee with this superintendent has given me more hope that leaders in education will do something to stop the behaviors that are causing youth around the country to believe their life has no meaning. She has vision . . . . she has courage . . . . and she has heart. I want to be more like Dr. Linda Wagner . . . . .

Friday, January 21, 2011

Aiden, Mary and I are attending the Creating Change Conferencein Minneapolis the first week in February. In preparation, we wrote ways that we are making a difference in the LGBT community and took pictures to submit to the conference organizers. These ideas will be considered by the Executive Director of The Task Force for use in her opening speech and video. What started off to be a day of "what shall we do?" ended up being an afternoon of laughter, do overs and meshing all of our creative ideas to come up with things we could proudly submit.

Friday, January 7, 2011

The new year always inspires me to take time to dream.I love to make “dream boards” to start my New Year.It is a beautiful reminder of all I intend to accomplish throughout the year.Here is my “dream board” for 2011.This year my dreams focus on my book, Two Spirits, One Heart and a different way of life.I visualize myself writing a story that readers can’t put down and publishers race to publish. . . a story full of honesty, compassion and courage.I also see myself surrounded in magical moments of peace, harmony, laughter and love.My heart will be my guide . . . I must remember to listen closely.

I wish each of you a year of dreams as well.I believe 2011 will be my greatest year ever.I am so excited to see all my dreams come true.And it is my deepest and most heartfelt wish that your year is filled with all that you treasure most . . .sprinkled with dreams that wait patiently for you to say . . let us begin!!

I am a wife and a mother of two sons, Aiden and Stefen. By day I am an educational consultant and advocate for the LGBT community. My other passion is to share stories about healing and hope through my writing and speaking.